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While somebody who apparently runs the joint over there is trying to get my first Zingo single on the jukebox at Zingo's lounge on Buck Owens Boulevard, I came up with this brand new Zingo single. 

I'll debut it today on the patio at Zingo's Cafe when the clock strikes 12 noon.  I'll also play other songs from my Confessions of a Buckaholic CD and my as-yet-unreleased CD, From Buck Owens Boulevard to Merle Haggard Drive, in a mini-jam session that will get you all tuned up for the rest of the afternoon.  I'll be the guy with the red "I'm a Buckaholic" baseball cap and the guitar strapped to his back. 

When you get back from Zingo's be sure to join in the blog n roll conversation about illegal immigration and what to do about it.  I'm on the fence.  Help me get off by providing some solid support for your point of view.  You know the game. 

Ready....Set....BLOG N ROLL. 

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Hi, my name is Dr BLT and I'm a Buckaholic.  I'll meet you at 12:15 pm at Zingo's on Buck Owens Boulevard for a Buckaholics Anonymous meeting.

Don't worry if you have lunch to eat or work to get back to.  I'll have you rolling in and out in less than half and hour. 

This meeting is for hard-core Buckaholics, long-time devoted--yes, even obsessed fans that have no intention of giving up their Buckaholicism.  Don't worry, I won't pressure you into giving up your addiction, in fact, I'll be there to reinforce it.  I'll even give you a fix of Buck Owen songs and a couple of tribute songs of my own from the CD, Confessions of a Buckaholic.   Like this one:

I'm a Buckaholic

Dr BLT

words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2006

http://www.drblt.net/music/...

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Waterin' Hole in the Wall

Dr BLT

waterin' hole in the wall in the wall

watering hole in the wall

buffer the blow

as you're breakin' my fall

waterin' hole in the wall

waterin' hole you have taken my soul

stolen my will to go on

takin' my wife

taken my life

hole, you have taken my song

waterin' hole in the wall in the wall

watering hole in the wall

buffer the blow

as you're breakin' my fall

waterin' hole in the wall

that's what Bakersfield has to offer

deal with it

take the bitter blow

waterin' hole, please have mercy

waterin' hole's

takin' it's toll

waterin' hole in the wall in the wall

watering hole in the wall

buffer the blow

as you're breakin' my fall

waterin' hole in the wall

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  I'll be playing songs from my forthcoming CD, From Buck Owens Boulevard to Merle Haggard Drive.  

See U there!

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  While at least one of you was looking for me on Buck Owens Boulevard on Monday, February 25, 2008, around noon, I was sitting on the patio at Zingo's Cafe after having downed a burger, fries and a salad, starring at a sign and becoming inspired by that sign to pen this song.  It's from the forthcoming CD, From Buck Owens Boulevard to Merle Haggard Drive. 

The sign is not a bright neon sign like this one, but it was enough to capture my attention.  It told a story to me, and so now I'm telling that story to you.  Lyrics to be added.

Stay tuned at:

http://www.drblt.net

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 I started with an announcement right here at Bakersfield.com.  I released the contest details and I presented If You Wanna Be the Next Buck Owens that contestants would use to make their case that they should be Bakersfield's Next Buck.  

The winner will be a featured artist on my forthcoming CD, From Buck Owens Boulevard to Merle Haggard Drive, and will hopefully get to jam with one or more of the pioneers of the original Bakersfield Sound.  

Now I'm turning to you to help me find Bakersfield's Next Buck.  Where would you suggest I go?  Who would you suggest I talk to?  Where would I most likely find Bakersfield's Next Buck?

This is what blog n roll is all about.  I provide the music, and the muse for your comments.  You provide the comments.  

Ready.......Set.........BLOG N ROLL!

Stay tuned at:

http://www.drblt.net

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A former Eye Street writer for the Bakersfield Californian once called me "The fastest songwriter in the world."  I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse.

It's not all quality material, I'll be the first to admit that, but there's never a shortage of quantity. 

Songs come at me through the day and invade my head like cars jumping onto a freeway.  I was once tempted to pray to God to stop the songs from coming into my head, but I thought about what it might be like to be short of material, and it kind of sucked so I decided I would keep accepting cars onto my freeway.  This one came at me about 100 mph so I had to get it out there so it wouldn't crash with the next two that are already competing for space and begging to be written.  For what it's worth, here's a sample of what invaded my brain throughout the day.

My Head’s a Crowded Freeway

(Full of Songs)

Words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008

My head’s a crowded freeway full of songs

Like standin’ in a line that’s far too long

Each song has it’s demands

Each one feels it belongs

My head’s a crowded freeway full of songs

My head’s a crowded freeway full of tunes

They come and go and come again too soon

I just cannot keep up

An overflowin’ cup

My head’s a crowded freeway all clogged up

But I don’t want to be rescued

No I am havin’ too much fun

Directed all this cluttered traffic

My head is like a loaded gun

My head is like a freeway full of songs

It feels so good

But yet it feels so wrong

While others heads are blank

My head’s a filled up tank

My head is like a freeway full of songs

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Here's your final clue: The sign I saw was an old neon sign in front of Zingo's lounge.  It read "Open for cocktails."  Of course, just to make it clear, I didn't actually enter the lounge.  I had a quick lunch at Zingo's Cafe and sat outside on the patio, overlooking the sign in front of the lounge that stood in front of a truck wash.  I sang a couple of songs from my Confessions of a Buckaholic CD, and then I wrote a new song.

It was the sign I could see from the patio view that instantly inspired the song I plan to record tomorrow morning.  The minute I saw it, I began to write these words:

Zingo’s Lounge is Open for Cocktails

(Drownin’ at Zingo’s)

Words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008

 Zingo's lounge is open for cocktails

Zingo’s on Buck Owens Boulevard

I think that I’ll sit down inside and have some

I’ll have some drinks and then I’ll play some cards

But it is still the middle of the day

It’s much too soon

But that won’t even stop me

I need a place to drown these loser’s blues

Where wannabees and has-beens

Can be stars

I’m drownin’ at Zingo’s

Zingo’s on Buck Owens Boulevard

and I’ve already had a drink or two

I never learned to swim like Buck or Haggard

So here I’ll sit and sink, stuck here with you

Where wannabees and has-beens

Can be stars

I’m drownin’ at Zingo’s

Zingo’s on Buck Owens Boulevard

Zingo’s longue is open for cocktails

I’m drownin’ at Zingo’s

Zingo’s lounge is open for cocktails

I’m drownin’ at Zingo’s

Zingo’s lounge is open for cocktails

Zingo’s lounge is open for cocktails

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To promote my forthcoming CD, From Buck Owens Blvd. to Merle Haggard Drive, I'll be providing free 15 minute BLT with jam session musical meals on Buck Owens Boulevard, starting today.

To win the first official autographed copy of the CD, find me on Buck Owens Boulevard at 12:15 pm today as I play a few Bakersfield Sound tribute tunes.  All you have to do is find me, name the correct location right here in the comments section, and a print-out of this blog will serve as your free ticket to that very first CD when it is released. 

Here's your clue: I'll be all dressed up and nowhere (but Buck Owens Boulevard) to go. 

Ready?  Set?  Blog n roll!

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  I wrote this song on Merle Haggard Drive at our Sunday on Merle Haggard Drive gig yesterday morning.  My sax player was right next to me.  I'll debut "I'll Meet you on Merle Haggard Drive,"  right on Merle Haggard Drive this morning (or it's attached here if you can't make the Mornings on Merle Haggard Drive show this morning at 8:30 am.  

Then let's gather round for a blog n roll rockin' round table discussion on this BAKERSFIELD SOUNDoff topic of the day:

Who is better, Merle Haggard or Buck Owens?  

That's blog n roll.  I provide the tunes, and the topic, and you provide the comments.  

Ready?  Set?  BLOG N ROLL!

PS: Stay tuned at:

http://www.drblt.net

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 This Sunday (today), beginning around 8:30 am, I'll be on Merle Haggard Drive in front of the new Starbucks playing Merle's favorite hymns like this one:

Softly and Tenderly

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling calling for you and for me

See on the portals he's waiting and watching watching for you and for me

Come home come home ye who are weary come home

Earnestly tenderly Jesus is calling calling oh sinners come home

Why should we linger when Jesus is pleading he's pleading for you and for me

Why should we linger and heed not his mercy mercy for you and for me

Thought of the wonderful love he has promised promised for you and for me

Though we have sinn'd he has mercy and pardon pardon for you and for me

Come home come home...

I'll also be performing Merle Haggard Drive, The Day Merle Haggard Stole My Pen, From Buck Owens Boulevard to Merle Haggard Drive and also a few Merle songs.  The originals are from my forthcoming Bakersfield Sound tribute CD.

For those that have never attended my outdoor morning shows, they are more like open rehearsals.  It's unplugged and it's rough.  It's outdoors, of course.  And if I'm inspired to write a new song, I will, right on the spot, so that may interfere with the performance flow. 

I'll meet you in the morning on Merle Haggard Drive, more specifically, in front of Starbucks next to Dennys. 

Stay tuned at:

http://www.drblt.net 

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 Welcome to BAKERSFIELD SOUND off, my new blog rockin' round table series.  Here's today's topic:

What do you feel it would take for a local kid to become Bakersfield's Next Buck?  By now, most of you know how to play blog n roll, but it you don't, it's quite simple.  I supply the songs and introduce the topic.  You put the "oll" in blog n roll with your comments.

Ready?  Set?  BLOG N ROLL!

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 Good morning Bakersfield's Next Buck Contestants!

If you'd like to get a head start on the rest of the contestants, learn the song and meet in front of Starbucks on Merle Haggard Drive this morning at about 8:30 am.

If you are Bakersfield's Next Buck then you probably don't need me to send the chords or give you a practice track.  However, these are available upon request.  In the meantime, these are the lyrics, and, attached, is the song.  Any questions?  Good.  

Ready, set....BLOG N ROLL! 

If you Wanna Be the Next Buck Owens

words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008

if you want to be the next Buck Owens

if you wanna grab the tiger by the tail

just give 'em all you've got

dare to be different

sing out from your heart

let your guitar wail

Chorus:

be yourself

be yourself

don't try to be anybody else

if you wanna be the next Buck Owens

just break their hearts

and make their spirits melt

if you wanna be the next Merle Haggard

you don't have to sing

The Fightin' Side of Me

just give 'em all you've got

dare to be different

just let it out

and set their spirits free

(chorus)

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 Welcome to BAKERSFIELD SOUND Off.  Here's what you'll be BAKERSFIELD SOUNDing off about today:

Do you think a Bakersfield Sound revival is possible?  Do you think we're at the cusp of such a revival?  Do you think Bakersfield could be put back on the map as the epicenter of a whole new Bakersfield Sound movement that builds on the old to create a whole new Bakersfield Sound? 

I'll be holding a Bakersfield Sound revival meeting in March.  It will consist of an interview with Homer Joy.  I'll be working on a spoken word/music CD that he will be a part of.  I will be performing songs from the forthcoming CD "live" on Merle Haggard Drive in a series of surprise outdoor gigs in front of the new Starbucks.  Come by and give me feedback on the songs. 

My goal is to fan the flames of a Bakersfield Sound revival.  I'm not a great singer, but I've been inspired by the great legacy of this county and its Kern County kings of yore.  It only taeks a spark to get a fire going.  You can be part of the spark by entering in the dialogue---a virtual ring of fire.

PS: The song you're hearing today is the first song I wrote while on Merle Haggard Drive.  It's called I Keep Walkin' (Down Merle Haggard Drive). 

Stay tuned at:

http://www.drblt.net

READY?  SET?  Blog n roll!

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 I'd like to invite you to another outdoor performance, the second in a new series called Mornings on Merle Haggard Drive. 

I'll be performing Merle Haggard Drive, The Day Merle Haggard Stole My Pen, From Buck Owens Boulevard to Merle Haggard Drive and also a few Merle songs.  The originals are from my forthcoming Bakersfield Sound tribute CD.

For those that have never attended my outdoor morning shows, they are more like open rehearsals.  It's unplugged and it's rough.  It's outdoors, of course.  And if I'm inspired to write a new song, I will, right on the spot, so that may interfere with the performance flow. 

I'll meet you in the morning on Merle Haggard Drive, more specifically, in front of Starbucks next to Dennys. 

Stay tuned at:

http://www.drblt.net

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 Are you Bakersfield's next Buck?  If you think you could be the next Buck Owens, send me an mp3 of one of your performances at:

drblt@drblt.net

or post an mp3 or youtube link right here in the comments section and tell us all why you should be Bakersfield's Next Buck in the comments section below. 

, along with a paragraph or two telling me why you should be Bakersfield's Next Buck.  Deadline is June 1, 2008. 

The winner, and maybe a runner up or two, will be featured on a new CD in which I hope to pair oldtimers and younsters on some brand new songs that pay tribute to the Bakersfield Sound and its pioneers. 

PS: The song you're hearing is 4 Quarters Gets Me 2 Buck Songs, from my CD,Confessions of a Buckaholic.

Stay tuned at:

http://www.drblt.net

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 Last year, Oildale's own native son, Merle "Fightin' Side of Me" Maggard wrote a song for Hillary.  

http://thecaucus.blogs.nyti...

Merle Haggard is a country superstar.  But John McCain is a rising political star, and Hillary may soon become a falling star.  I am no Merle Haggard, just a moderate conservative with a song about John McCain that I'm hoping will win some of you over to the winning side.  

I have nothing against Obama, in fact, personality-wise he is the strongest candidate.   But he is to the left of most moderate conservatives on most issues, and so we lean towards John, The Maverick.   Some hard-core conservatives hate the man, because they think a person has to be partisan to be a true conservative and they think he should be a part of some sort of Republican groupthink.  But we don't need a minion, we need a Maverick.  And so, John McCain, this one is for you.  

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  Scientology fiends are on the warpath, determined to wipe psychiatry and psychology off the face of the earth.  But, as a recovering fundie, growing up in fundamentalist churches often disguised under the "evangelical" rubric, I am painfully aware that the war goes on well beyond the bounds of Scientology.  

The war is alive and well in fundamentalist "Christian" churches and the consequences go well beyond the direct reaches of any of these churches.  

It is an approach a psychology professor of mine once referred to as the "nothing buttery" approach which suggests that if a person really trusts God, then there is no need for science, not need for medicine, and no need for psychological or psychiatric cures.  

This approach is based on the fallacious notion that God is some sort of magician in the sky, and that he created our brains only with the expectation that we would lay them at the doors of churches as we enter.  

The consequences of this approach have endangered countless lives and have intensified the psychological/psychiatric suffering of countless church-goers.  

I love the old hymn, Nothing but the Blood--------enough to include an "altar'd" arrangement on my forthcoming Alar'd Hymns CD.  But the blood of Christ is for the redemption of sins, and was never meant to drown the brain or circumvent other legitimate avenues of recovery.  And though the Bible was meant to convey truth, the truth it contains is not exhaustive in nature.  So let's continue to embrace faith, but not at the expense of sacrificing the psyche.  Sorry, Tom Cruise, that's simply tomfoolery!

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 Good morning.  I'm Dr BLT, and I'm here to introduce the freshly paved Merle Haggard Drive, featuring Mystery Merley Girly.  I'm also here to categorically deny all rumors associated with the song, including the rumor that when you play the song backwards, it says, "I'm the new Merle Haggard!"  

Ridiculous!  Rumors of the vastness of my ego have been greatly exaggerated.  I would never attempt such a shameful stunt.  

Furthermore, I only wish I could sing like Merle.  Nope, I've got a voice only a mother could love.  Or should I say, "Mama Tried"?

So, yes, I'm denying the rumor.  Duh!? In fact, I'm going to go so far as to deny that the rumor even exists.  

I hope you enjoy the new street and the new song, especially this newly paved edition.

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  My visit to the naming ceremony inspired this one.  Obviously, I've forgiven Merle for stealing my pen.  

Merle Haggard Drive

words and music by Dr BLT

copyright 2008

Merle Haggard Drive

that's where I'm goin'

but I've got an very

long, long way to go

Merle Haggard Drive

in California

in a city where the pace of life

is slow

I'll reach my simple

destination

come hell

or come high water

this I know

Merle Haggard Drive

in California

in a city where

the pace of life is slow

weill you meet me

in Kern County

in the city where the

streets are paved with gold

with gold records

from Melre and Owens

and other stars

that dared to be that bold

I've got my guitar

and this old suitcase

and a one-way ticket

to where Merle comes from

I'll ask the porter

if we are there yet

no, I can't wait

that's why I jump the gun

I'm gonna reach my

destination

come hell or come

high water

this I know

Merle Haggard Drive

in California

in a city where

the pace of life is slow

in a city where the pace of life

is slow

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It seemed like the perfect metaphor to depict my life.  I was clearly under the weather, but couldn't miss this for the world.  I was attending the official street naming party for Merle Haggard and the ceremony was wrapping up.  I had my open pen in hand and my Merle Haggard's 16 Big Hits CD out.  I was determined to secure Merle's autograph at the end of the ceremony.  I was on a roll, already having secured the signatures of attendees/Bakersfield Sound heroes, Sonny Langley, Billy Mize, Hank Decate, and Naf Nutter.  

Merle was on his way off the stage and heading towards the Harley Davidson showroom.  I handed him the CD and the pen, and he gripped both firmly in his hands.  Then, suddenly, much to my dismay, he was thrust forward by his wife and a couple of other members of his entourage.  He did manage to reach back and hand me the CD, unsigned by him, but he kept the pen.  So I left without that autograph I longed to secure, but with a story that I would put in this song as soon as I got home.

The moral of this story is one I often repeat: When handed a lemon, make lemonade.  I hope you enjoyed the story, and I hope you enjoy it told in this song.

Later that night, I attended his performance at the Fox.  He didn't disappoint.  It was one hell of a show!

The Day Merle Haggard Stole My Pen

Dr BLT copyright 2008

It was a day

like any other

except for one thing

it was the day

they named a street

after a man

who was a legend in this town

Chorus:
it was the day

Merle Haggard Drive

was named for the man and his legend

right near my house

just 'round the bend

it was the day Merle Haggard

stole my pen

I tried to get

his autograph

he grabbed my pen

and my Merle CD

but then his folks

pulled him away

he walked away 

with my new pen

(chorus)

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 “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up unto the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”  (Luke 18:9-14) 

You've Got to be Bad to Get to Heaven.  It's not a bad song, is it?  It's not a bad theology, is it?  After all, isn't this exactly what the Bible teaches?  What about this little story from the New Testament that I've quoted above?  Now some would say I'm making a mockery of the grace of God, but the Bible clearly teaches that our "righteousness," amounts to nothing but "filthy rags"  in the eyes of the Lord.  

The more you try to please God, and the more you try to get to heaven, on the basis of good deeds, and the circumventing of bad deeds, the further you will fall short of the glory of God.  

Does this mean that good works should be shunned?  Heavens, no!  But such good works, should come from the overflowing gratitude in our hearts for the abundance of God's grace.  While we were yet sinners, he died for us.  He did not die for good people.  He died for bad ones.  He was not the only man on the cross, and to the one who asked him how he could be saved, Jesus replied, "Today you will be with me in paradise." You will find the song on my forthcoming CD, Altar'd Hymns.   The SIngle sample has been uploaded.  The lyrics appear below.

STAY TUNED AT: 

http://www.drblt.net

You've Gotta be Bad (to Get to Heaven)

Dr BLT copyright 2008

some say to get to heaven

you gotta be good

you've got to never break the rules

act like you should

but that's not what the good book 

tells me

and I've read it more than a tad

No it says,

You've gotta be bad

some try to follow rules

act squeaky clean

are self-righteous fools

know what I mean?

No, I'm not sayin'

you should go out and sin more than you have

but the good book says

you gotta be bad

you've gotta be bad to follow Jesus

or there's nothin' to forgive

you gotta depend upon his goodness

if you want to really live

no, I'm not sayin' to continue

'cause in the end, you'll be so sad

but to enter those gates

you've gotta be bad

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 Obama has put the squeeze on old-style Washingtonian politics

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  I supply the tunes.  You supply the tips.  That's what I call BLOG N ROLL.  Today, you will provide tips on how to keep marital bliss in bed, or, how to keep a sex life alive in the context of a monogamous sexual relationship?  And you will try to figure out if and how I got Christina Aguilera to join me in the studio to record this cover of the Who's Squeezebox.   You know the rules of blog n roll!    Ready.....SET......BLOG N ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  That's the question that's on my mind today, as we inch a little bit closer to Valentine's Day.  What is the relevance of this question as it concerns Valentine's Day?  Well, if human hearts are inherently evil, then there is very little reason for one heart to trust another and for one person to give his/her heart to another?  Or is there?  

PS: The song if from the forthcoming CD, Shattered Valentines.  

Stay tuned at:

http://www.drblt.net

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 I don't care if you're a Democrat, a Republican or an independent.  We must join together in preventing Hillary from reaching the White House.  That's where your plan comes in.  I want to know what it is, so.  I hope I came in on cue and in key.  Now, let's hear from you.  The comments section is where you come in.  Let's get started in stopping the minatory threat of Hillary for President.  

Ready.........set............BLOG N ROLL! 

 I Don't Want a Capitol Hill-ary

words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008

written 2/5/08

I don't want a Capitol Hill-ary

I don't want a Fool on the Hill

I don't want to swallow that Hillary pill

we've got to rally 'round our leader

we've got to stop Hillary

we've got to put aside our issues

if we want to see

if we want to see victory

we've got to stop this woman

from movin' further 

'tward the Hill

we've got to stop

this woman

from movin' in (for the kill)

with husband Bill

(chorus)

Do you want a Capitol Hill-ary

(repeat X3; return to chorus)

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Well, the day has arrived.  Hello, Super Tuesday! This is supposed to be the day when it becomes clear who the ascendant candidate is in both parties.  But this is not just any Super Tuesday.  This is an unusually unusual one, with races so close, especially on the Democratic side, that it's almost impossible to predict.

Here's my predictions:  It will be Obama that takes the lead for the Democrats and McCain that takes the lead for the Republicans.  What is your prediction?  You can make it right here, as you tune in to my new Rolling Stones parody of Ruby Tuesday----Hello, Super Tuesday. 

So are you ready to put yourself out on that limb by calling this. 

Ready......Set.......BLOG N ROLL!

Hello, Super Tuesday

http://www.drblt.net/music/...

Dr BLT (of the Rolling Scones) and his parody of the Stones's Ruby Tuesday

McCain played dirty tricks

says Mitt Romney

and now McCain

has taken a big lead

Anne Coulture says she'll cast

her vote for Hillary

if McCain wins

it's such a sin

chorus:

Hello, Super Tuesday

This campaign depends on you

polls will change with every new day

Super Tuesday----

here's to you!

they think they have decided

who will win

As Hillary puts on

her plastic grin

she just can't be changed

reminds me of chump change

just more of the same

it's so insane

(chorus)

Obama,

he's been sold as JFK

mixed with Martin Luther King

they say

though he's no JFK

we'll take him anyway

if she would be

the candidate

(chorus)